Looking for free things to do with your dog this summer? Look no further! The City of San Antonio has a variety of activities that both you and your furry friend can enjoy. From live music at the park to exploring nature at Brackenridge Park, there are plenty of amazing things to do, and everyone is guaranteed to have a great time. Keep reading for a list of the best places, free events, and summer activities in San Antonio for dog lovers—and the whole family!

Watch a Free Outdoor Movie

 

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As any San Antonion knows, night time is one of the best times to beat the heat and enjoy time outdoors with your dog in the summer. The locally and family-owned Slab Cinema provides the perfect excuse for getting outdoors with your pup. Since 2004, they’ve been dedicated to bringing free movies to the San Antonio community.

Every year, they host a series of free outdoor movies in parks and public spaces around the city. From classics like “The Princess Bride” to recent hits like “Black Panther,” there’s something for everyone. So grab a blanket, your dog, and some friends and head out to the next free movie for a fun-filled evening under the stars!

This year, were excited to be adding our own lineup of dog-themed movies to the mix with our first annual Fido Film Fest at Legacy Park.

Mural Tour in Downtown San Antonio

Snap some great pics with your dog while exploring Centro San Antonio’s 21 Art Everywhere murals and installations in downtown San Antonio! The walking tour will take you past an array of public art, all within a few blocks of each other. You’ll see a wide variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary, and each one is guaranteed to make your pup look good. So put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and head downtown for a paws-itively perfect outing.

Visit the Grounds of McNay Art Museum

Speaking of art, you just have to take your pup to the first modern art museum in Texas! While the inside galleries of the McNay are not dog-friendly (except for service animals), the grounds definitely are! Plus, the McNay recently underwent a huge landscape renovation, including the addition of several beautiful outdoor sculptures. Some of our favorites include The Sole Sitter by Willie Cole (look closely and you’ll notice the entire sculpture is made up of huge shoes) and the 12-foot tall Deer by Tony Tasset. There are 25 acres to explore with dozens of pieces of art to enjoy, making this one of our favorite spots to walk the dogs. Plus, they don’t call this little neighborhood Sunset Hills for nothing! The sunsets are gorgeous!

Join a Local Dog Meetup Group

If you’re a dog owner in San Antonio, there’s no shortage of great meetup groups to join. From hiking and play groups to social hours and training classes, there’s something for every pup – and their humans! This is a perfect (and free) way to make new friends, furry or not!

Take a Walk in Brackenridge Park

Brackenridge Park is a 341-acre municipal park in San Antonio, Texas. The park was founded in 1899 by George W. Brackenridge, who donated the land to the city. Today, the park is home to a variety of attractions, including the Japanese Tea Gardens, the San Antonio Zoo, and the Witte Museum.

It is also a popular spot for dog-walking, with plenty of open space for your furry friend to run around. In addition, the park offers a number of amenities for dog-owners, including water fountains and waste bags. If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with your pooch, Brackenridge Park is the perfect place to go.

The park is open daily from 5AM – 11PM and dogs must be kept on leash.

Check out the Greenway Trails

The San Antonio Greenway Trails are the perfect place to take your four-legged friend for a walk, run, or hike. With over 80 miles of trails winding through the city, there’s plenty of room to explore. And since the trails are specifically designed for pedestrians and cyclists, you won’t have to worry about cars or other vehicles. Best of all, the Greenway Trails are open to dogs, as long as they are on a leash. So whether your dog is a couch potato or a high-energy pup, they’ll be able to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Just be sure to bring along some water and clean up after your pet. Then you can both enjoy a lovely day out on the trails. You can find a full list of the Greenway Trails along with maps on the city’s website here.

Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is a relaxing oasis in the heart of the city, and it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your furry friend. There are plenty of shady spots for your dog to take a break, and the calm waters of the koi pond are sure to be a hit. While dogs are not allowed inside the tea house, there’s plenty of seating outside where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack while your pup enjoys the fresh air. Just be sure to keep an eye on your four-legged friend, as the garden’s resident ducks can be tempting targets for curious pups. All in all, the Japanese Tea Garden is a Paw-fect spot for an afternoon getaway.

San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk is a must-see for any visitors to the city, and it’s also a great place to bring your four-legged friend. The river walk winds its way through downtown, offering a scenic view of the cityscape. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the sights or grab a bite to eat. And best of all, many of the businesses along the River Walk are dog-friendly, so you won’t have to leave your furry companion behind. So whether you’re looking for a place to walk your dog or just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll with a view, the San Antonio River Walk is the perfect spot.

Explore the Historic Pearl Brewery

 

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The Historic Pearl Brewery is a great place to visit with your furry friend. Located just north of downtown San Antonio, the Pearl offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars for both you and your pup to enjoy. Plus they have their Farmers and Makers Markets on the weekend. After a leisurely stroll around the grounds, stop by one of the many dog-friendly patios for a bite to eat. Felíz Modern, Rancho Diaz, and The Larder also all allow dogs indoors for shopping. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a detour down the museum reach of the River Walk and check out the renowned Grotto, and stroll all the way up past the San Antonio Museum of Art into downtown. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a tail-wagging good time at the Pearl!

Get Your Groove On with SoundCream Airstream

Along with all of the great places to visit at the Pearl year round, summertime means the return of SoundCream Airstream nights at Pearl Park. A disco on wheels, SoundCream Airstream is just what it sounds like—a big musical party. Enjoy new djs each week. BYOB and your little pup, too, or grab a beverage and some goodies from the Food Hall and dance the night away. Picnic blankets recommended!

Soak Up History at The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Looking for a fun and unique day trip with your furry best friend? Then be sure to check out the San Antonio Missions! The Missions, which were built in the 18th century by Spanish missionaries, are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fido will love exploring the grounds of Mission San Jose, the largest of the Missions. Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada are also all dog-friendly and worth exploring with your pup. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to pick up a map before you start your tour. Then it’s off to sniff out all the wonderful smells and sounds of this historic site! (Free admission, and dogs must stay on leash and are not allowed inside park buildings.)

Take in Art and Nature Along the San Antonio Mission Reach

This 8-mile stretch of the San Antonio River Walk extends from just south of downtown from Lonestar Boulevard to Mission Espada. Although we don’t recommend attempting the whole Mission Reach in a day with your dog during the summer, it’s one of the most peaceful places in the city to enjoy with your dog. Be sure to check out Confluence Park and Árbol de la Vida, two beautiful public art structures.

Explore Southtown

Looking for a fun outing with your furry friend? Look no further than Southtown San Antonio! Know for its art and creative vibe, this vibrant neighborhood is perfect for exploring with your dog, and there’s plenty to see and do. Start your day in the King William Historic District, settled by German immigrants, where you can stroll down tree-lined streets and admire the beautiful historic homes. Some of our favorite dog-friendly spots include The Good Kind Southtown, Stella Public House, and La Tuna. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Southtown is the perfect place to spend a day with your furry companion!

Take in the Sunset at Hot Wells

 

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Once a hotel and spa to the rich and famous, these ruins turned park are another gem located along the Mission Reach. Fun fact, Otto Koehler of the Pearl Brewery once owned and expanded on Hot Wells at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, the park has a smaller footprint and the hot springs are no longer active and accessible, but it’s a beautiful slice of Alamo City history—especially at sunset. And dogs are welcome, of course!

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

San Pedro Creek Culture Park is located on the western edge of downtown San Antonio, and is a great place to enjoy a confluence of culture, art, and nature. Currently, this public park features tile murals, locations for poetry and historical text, and bridges with ceramic artwork. Enjoy works by artists like Michael Menchaca and the late Katie Pell. There is also an abundance of nature, including 133 shade trees, which we all know are vital during the hot summer months! You can even let your pup cool their paws off in the Plaza de Fundación, just remember to keep them on leash and check the San Antonio River Authority’s website to ensure water quality is good.

Stroll Through Main Plaza

Quite literally located in the heart of the city, Main Plaza is located at the foot of San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. This public square hosts a number of special events that are all free and open to the public. And once the sun goes down, it’s home to The Saga, a fun light show projection covering 7,000 square feet of light, color and visual narration onto the majestic façade of San Fernando Cathedral- the oldest cathedral in the United States. Find current days and showtimes for this free year-round show on their website, and take your pup along to enjoy the fun.

Visit Historic Market Square

Looking for another fun and historic place to take your furry friend? Then look no further than San Antonio’s Historic Market Square! Also known as El Mercado, this open-air market dates back to the 19th century and is now home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and festivals. And best of all, dogs are welcome! There’s plenty of space for your pup to explore, and you can even enjoy a bite to eat together at one of the outdoor cafes.

Yanaguana Garden and Hemisfair

Yanaguana Garden in Hemisfair is the perfect place to enjoy a day out with your four-legged friend. The garden has plenty of shady areas for your dog to take a break, and if you’re looking for an even more active adventure, you can head over to the splash pad! Just be sure to bring a towel for your furry friend (and yourself!) when you’re done. We also highly recommend brunch at The Box Street Social, the food is delicious and their patio is dog-friendly! And be sure to take in the views of Tower of the Americas further into Hemisfair.

Visit the Mall

Yes, you heard that right. Although most of the malls in San Antonio aren’t actually dog-friendly, the Shops at La Cantera are! As a uniquely outdoor mall, dogs are welcome everywhere outside at La Cantera, as as well the outdoor restaurant patios, and inside several of the stores. We recommend checking with any stores ahead of your visit, but Lush is one of our favorites! Shopping not required, but definitely hard to resist!

Visit a New Off-Leash Dog Park

We’re all about taking our pups to the farmers market, happy hour, and even the bookstore, but there’s nothing quite like letting Fido run free. Fortunately there are a number of off-leash dog parks in San Antonio. Pick one or two ones to explore and enjoy on a Saturday morning with your pup.

Remember to Visit The Alamo

 

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The Alamo is one of the most iconic landmarks in Texas, and it’s also a great place to bring your dog. Located in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Although dogs aren’t welcome inside the Alamo, it’s still worth a visit outside to snap a pic of you and your pup.

There are plenty of fun free things to do in San Antonio this summer, and we hope you take advantage of all that our city has to offer! From exploring historic sites to enjoying the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone (and every dog!) to enjoy. So get out there and make some memories!​​​​​​​ And be sure to tag us in your pics on Instagram – we can’t wait to see what great places you visit for the first time and discover together.

Hungry for even more fun things to do with your dog this summer? Check out these ideas:

More San Antonio Area Things:

Outside of San Antonio Things:

  • Take a road trip to one of the several dog-friendly state parks near San Antonio, like Guadalupe River State Park or Blanco State Park.
  • Take a day trip to Boerne to check out the Cibolo Nature Center.
  • Explore more dog-friendly spots in the Texas Hill Country like Enchanted Rock, Dogologie in Fredericksburg, Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera, and Desert Door Distillery in Driftwood.
Amy Lynn

Author: Amy Lynn

Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide, and was inspired to start the first one right here in San Antonio after adopting her first dog. In addition to being a dog mom to Texas and Terry, she's also a mom of four, and has lived in San Antonio for over 25 years.